16 Year Old, First Car

Hey, my name is Mike. I am 16 and just got my license 2 weeks ago.
During the summer, my mom gave me a piece of shit 93 GMC Jimmy. We had a hell of a good time off roading and beating the crap out of it, but I need to face the facts; it sucks ass and will not make it on the road.

I got a job in October, and every paycheck I get goes right into the bank. I save every penny. My current bank account balance is somewhere around 600, but my next paychecks are going to be big ones, somewhere around 200 each.

My dilemma: I am in need of a car. Little Brief? Let me be more specific.
I would like to get a sporty type of car, it must be a 5 speed, and newer than 96. 2 doors would be better than four. I would rather have a v6 but a 4cyl would suit me fine as long as the car is nice.

I found a sweet deal on a 94' Camaro, but after I found out my insurance would be 4000/year, I realized I couldn’t get the Camaro.

I have searched for many cars. I looked at probes, but haven’t been able to find any. Any suggestions of a car I should look for?

I did find a pretty nice car, a 1997 Dodge Avenger ES, 5 spd, 4cly, 122K, ac/ power windows/locks/ seat, cloth interior, security, am/fm/cd radio. Really good deal too, only 1600. Finally, A car I found that I can not only afford, but looks badass too.

I showed the ad to my dad, and he went and did research, and thinks its jap crap mitsu engine. He had a Eagle Premier with an Mistu engine and the timing belt broke and he thinks that his Eagle Premier has the same engine as this dodge Avenger. He also doesn’t want me to have 4 cyl, apparently he’s always telling me to do the speed limit, not to speed, but when I ask to buy a car with my own money that isn’t a fast engine, he doesn’t want me to buy it? He gets all angry at me, “you don’t buy the first damn car you find, blah blah blah”. When he was 16 he bought Plymouth Road runner, got wasted, and crashed it. Got another Roadrunner, and it got stolen. Now he takes out his anger on me. He wants me to buy a damn OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS. I am 16, not 60. I want a sports car, not a granny car. I want to roll up at my school and people be like damn, nice car mike.

Please help me.

Well, how much are you looking to spend?

1500-2000
i work at mcdonalds : /

i can get the money from my dad and then make payments

but my next paychecks are going to be big ones, somewhere around 200 each.

If you consider those "big", you need a better job.. or possibly another job. I got a second job to fund my hobby (cars).. make about 450-550 a week, on average.

And your dad is correct. DO NOT buy the first thing you find because you can afford it. I was impatient and didn't look close enough at my civic and it has all sorts of problems. Also, don't worry about what other people are thinking. Your car will not make you any more or less popular. One of the most popular kids in my high school drove a 93 Chevy truck.

I am not a big fan of Avengers, the 6 cyl are alright but only come in auto. Try early model integras (90-93), CRX's, 92-95 civics, older preludes. Unfortunately for 2k you're not gonna find much. You may want to think about saving up more money. I know I bought my car and 2 years later I am tired of it and am trying to save up 10k to buy something I really want. Also, considering you're going to be buying an older car, consider that SOMETHING will go wrong with it. I spent 4.5k to buy my car, and I've probably put just as much fixing things.

As for your dad not liking imports, discuss (that means calmly, with a good arugment) with him that it's going to be your car and should be your decision what YOU want to drive, assuming it's safe and in a good condition.

what job is that lol

3rd Gen Nissan Maxima, I own an 89 SE 5 Speed. Fully Loaded and I paid $2300 but I got it from a dealership with a warranty, private party you could probably find one for around 1800. Maybe a Nissan 240SX.

Yeah, an older 240sx can be had for around $1800+ depending on mileage. They are great cars to modify especially if you do a sr20det engine swap - and they're RWD :evillol:

what about this?
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=491331

What about an older Integra, Civic, if your lucky a prelude, MX-6 are decent cars, Z24 Cavy, 240SX, or even a Eclipse/Talon/Laser. You could get a turbo Eclipse/Talon/Laser from anywhere between 500-2500 depending on condition/miles etc.

1500-2000
i work at mcdonalds : /



yeah im in the same boat your in lol. seven dollars an hour at mcdonalds. Hopefully i can get a better job before college so i can continue workin in my project chevy truck. i need like 6 grand and i only make like 5 grand a year at mcdonalds lol, my dads wont give me any money tho because he knows ill never be able to pay him back lol ;)

2nd gen Cavalier Z24...good v6 engine, cheap car (bought mine for $1200) and tend to look pretty good, even stock...

http://www.v6z24.com/pictures/users/pennylessz28/Z24_001.jpg

FYI, those arent stock wheels...they are just his winter wheels.